Researchers at the University of Texas have developed a new AI tool that works similar to ChatGPT, translating people’s thoughts into written text, in real-time, with greater accuracy. This opens up avenues of communication that could help people who are unable to vocalize their thoughts, such as those with motor neuron disease or those who have suffered a stroke.
This mind-reading tool works without inserting a brain implant and was able to deduce the key aspects of stories individuals listened to, as a rolling text of their thoughts transcribed from their cerebral blood flow. This highlights potential future issues with mental privacy, where it could be possible to eavesdrop on another people’s thoughts.
To ensure the device worked, volunteers had to spend 16 hours in an MRI machine with headphones on, listening to podcasts. Additionally, the individuals could “sabotage” the device by reciting the names of animals silently to prevent it from reading their thoughts. The researchers think that this could be used in the future to help mute people communicate, but it is important that the technology not be used for negative means or be abused.
The company behind the research is the University of Texas in Austin and the principal author of the study is Jerry Tang. He acknowledges the frightening nature of the technology and is making sure to take measures to prevent it from being misused or abused.
The technology has garnered the attention of Silicon Valley, which aspires to create a mind-reading technology that would allow people to type through thought. In contrast to the rival’s technology, this breakthrough does not require any surgery. The study was published in the prestigious journal Nature Neuroscience and shows great potential for those with communication difficulties.
